KARIN
E-RYT 500 YACEP, Bikram Yoga teacher, KRI Kundalini yoga teacher, Master Yoga Nidra teacher, meditation guide and life coach.
Karin: A Love Revolution in Motion
Karin is the embodiment of a love revolution- an unstoppable force of wisdom, authenticity, and healing. As the creator and owner of Blue Buddha, she has spent a quarter of a century guiding yogis to unlock their own greatness and embrace the incredible power of self-love and transformation.
With a heart as big as her passion for yoga, Karin’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is certified in five different lineages of yoga, with over 21,000 teaching hours and 1,500 hours of advanced training. She has studied directly alongside some of the most legendary Yoga Gurus of our time. From Bikram Choudhury’s 500-hour Teacher Training to the transformative work of Trauma Release Specialist David Berceli, Ph.D., Structural Yoga Therapy with Guru Mukunda Stiles, Yoga Master Guru Amrit Desai and Yoga Nidra Expert Kamini Desai, Ph.D., Yin yoga’s Paul Grilley, to Master Kundalini yoga teachers Sangeet Kaur Khalsa and Jaap Khaur Kalsa,
Karin’s path has been guided by a commitment to evolving not only as a teacher but as a true spiritual guide.
In 2012, she created the revolutionary Integrative System of Hatha yoga, with a 60 minute format that forever changed the landscape of hot yoga in the valley.
Her original, deep healing sequence, is the heart of Blue Buddha and is also taught at local studios around the valley and across the country.
Her teachings have touched the lives of countless yogis, inspiring them to believe in themselves and find the love within.
But it’s not just about yoga-Karin’s journey is one of service, passion, and relentless dedication to serving others.
In 2012, she founded Hot Yoga University as a way to give back and to share her knowledge and passion on a greater scale. Trusting in the Divine timing in all things, Karin sold the studio to one of her yoga students in 2020 and embarked on a soul-stirring sabbatical that led her to a profound spiritual awakening. This awakening served to reignite her purpose and vision to continue sharing her love for yoga with the world.
Karin’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and an unwavering belief in the power of divine timing. She’s a teacher, a visionary, and a healer- an embodiment of light and love, here to help you find your own.
“I’m forever grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, for the inner sanctuary I’ve built, and for the connection to Divine consciousness that guides me each day. I’m so thankful for my family, my students, and this beautiful community that inspires me to keep going. Join me at the Blue-let’s create something magical together.” -Karin xx
Karin teaches every day at Blue Buddha, inviting you to dive deep into the heart of yoga and the transformative power of love.
MEGAN
200 Hour Yoga Teacher
Hi beautiful humans! My name is Megan Mawson & I’m a new teacher here at The Blue! I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA but moved to AZ in 2018 to attend The University of Arizona. After college, I moved up to Scottsdale where I took my first yoga class at Blue Buddha in 2022 and the rest is history! I quickly fell in love with the practice, teachers, & community that make Blue Buddha the magical place that it is.
I’m honored to be apart of magic and look forward to do for others what the Blue has done for me. Come take a Hatha, Vinyasa, or Pilates class with me! See you on the mat! 🙂
MAZZY
200 hr Yoga and Yoga Nidra Lumina teacher
I’m Mazzy, a CYT-200 yoga teacher with a lifelong connection to movement and mindfulness. Growing up as a ballerina, I was introduced to the power of the body early on but it was yoga that taught me how deeply movement and stillness work together to support the whole self.
Yoga has been a steady, grounding presence in my life, both on and off the mat. While I love the physical practice, it’s the mental and emotional clarity that keeps me coming back. For me, yoga is a way to slow down, reconnect, and create space within. Looking forward to seeing you on your mat!
NICHOLE
200 Hour Yoga and Yoga Nidra Lumina Teacher
Hi, I’m Nichole! I’m a native Arizonian and avid outdoorswoman – if I’m not at the studio, I’m likely out of cell phone range & either backpacking somewhere remote, climbing a rock wall, or paddleboarding one of the many rivers in our beautiful state.
My yoga journey began a bit later than most – I hadn’t taken a single yoga class (not even one!) until my 38th year of life. I instantly fell in love with how physically & mentally refreshed I felt following a practice & couldn’t wait to go back. My second yoga class ever was at the Blue Buddha & soon after: I discovered the vibrant & irreplaceable Blue Buddha community.
I felt intrinsically called to elevate my passion for practicing to teaching but couldn’t imagine receiving my Yoga Teacher Certification from anyone other than Karin (…who continued to assure me that she wasn’t going to be certifying any teachers anytime soon).
The universe must’ve been listening & watching – because over 500 classes at the Blue later (literally!) – Karin serendipitously announced her first-ever YTT for Blue Buddha. I was among the first to join & can’t wait to (finally!) provide for those on their mats.
I truly believe yoga holds the keys to the universe that exists inside you – and I look forward to unlocking that universe & watching you grow & glow.
YUMI
500 Hour Yoga teacher
Yumi loves adventure and holistic living! She is a former Muay Thai boxing competitor. She discovered Yoga as part of the low impact training. She fell in love with its mind and body connection right away.
In 2018, she completed the 200 hr. Yoga teacher training in the jungles of Costa Rica. She was surrounded by monkeys, sloths, bugs and the beautiful ocean.
2024 300 hr yoga teacher training
Yumi made a big transition from a 20-year finance career to pursue her passion – serving others and community as a Life Journey Guide. She utilizes Yoga as an effective life journey tool, to reset and transform her clients’ life, along with eastern philosophy, meditation, energy work, gardening, shinrin yoku (forest bathing), Muay Thai boxing, fitness, happy eating, and smart finance.
“Being a part of the Blue Buddha family is a manifestation of a long-time dream – building a compassionate community. Looking forward to connecting and guiding you, yogi
UIN
200 Hour Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Quin! I’ve been teaching for three years and practicing yoga for seven. I believe yoga is more than a practice on the mat, it’s a way of showing up for yourself in everyday life.
I have a deep love for breathwork, and guide students to connect their breath with movement, building strength, presence, and resilience both physically and mentally.
My classes are a supportive space for students of all levels to explore their practice, slow down, and reconnect with themselves.
The most meaningful part of teaching yoga is witnessing students choose to show up for themselves, on the mat and beyond. I look forward to guiding you through your practice.
BROOKLYNN
200 Hour Yoga teacher
-Hi I’m Brooklynn! Here’s a little bit about me! I love spending time outside, practicing yoga, meditation, hiking, and thrifting.
I fell in love with yoga at the Blue Buddha, so I am very happy to be teaching here!!
In 2023 I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in psychology. Through the time I spent studying psychology, I discovered the importance of our mind body and spirit connection. Finding thew balance of these three is the key to leading a healthy life. I love yoga becauseit helps me create a more meaningful connection with myself and others. Lets flow together!
ABI
200 hr Yoga teacher, Certified Pilates Instructor
Hi, I’m Abi! I’m a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and Pilates Instructor from Flagstaff, now based in Scottsdale. I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Cellular Biology and Genetics and am on the path to medical school.
I teach both Flow and Pilates-inspired classes, blending movement, breath, and intention. My passion for yoga and medicine comes from the same place: a deep desire to help people heal from the inside out—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When I’m not on the mat or studying, I love hiking, traveling, and soaking up the Arizona sunshine. I’m so excited to share space with you at The Blue and support you in building strength, balance, and presence—on and off the mat.
LORA
500 hour Yoga teacher.
Lora discovered yoga in 1998 as a way to ease migraines caused by a car accident, but her journey quickly revealed yoga’s power to transform far beyond the physical. Through yoga, she found healing, strength, and a deeper connection to herself.
In 2006, Lora completed Bikram Teacher Training and went on to teach full-time for 13 years. Her passion for learning and sharing led her to additional certifications in Yin, Kids Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Vinyasa.
Known for her thoughtful approach to alignment and modifications, Lora creates a safe and welcoming space for all. Having overcome injuries and health challenges through her practice, she believes yoga should be joyful, empowering, and accessible to everyone.
AMANDA
Certified Personal Trainer, exercise specialist and yoga teacher.
Amanda has been active in many facets of the fitness industry and settled into providing holistic movement medicine for others as her passion. As a new mom she is now practicing and sharing fitness from another side of the gem of understanding. In her free time her other passions include art, music and festivals and being in nature.
SAM
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi, I’m Sam! I was first introduced to yoga in high school as a wellness elective. I walked into the unknown with an open mind and an open heart. Mr. Roth had a deep passion for yoga and shared his love for it with his students in every way he could, inspiring us with his dedication and warmth. I am thankful; he was the one to ignite my initial appreciation for the practice.
Since then, yoga has been my most consistent wellness practice. But it wasn’t until the last 2 years, when I entered the doors of Blue Buddha, that I realized the passion was also within myself. A strong feeling pulled me back to the practice, urging me to dive deeper into mindfulness and to connect with a genuine community. So when I saw Blue Buddha was hosting their first 200hr YTT program, I knew in my heart that I needed to be a part of it.
As a recent graduate, I am thrilled and privileged to teach infrared Hatha at Blue Buddha. I aim to motivate future yogis to be mindful of their practice, nurture an inviting and supportive community, and share the light I discovered at Blue Buddha.
Outside of yoga, I have a deep appreciation for the arts, of all mediums. I also enjoy going to the movies, discovering new music, and exploring delicious food around the city.
KYLIE
200 hr Yoga Teacher
Hi!! I am Kylie and I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Ubud, Bali in 2025, originally drawn to the practice by a deep curiosity about the mind, body, and soul connection. I wanted to understand the why beneath it all. My classes invite you into presence and self-inquiry, weaving together breath, intuitive movement, and grounded awareness to help you reconnect with the wisdom of your own body.
My path has taken me across the world—from beginning my Spanish-speaking journey in Chile to traveling through Central and South America for 10 months, eventually salsa dancing in Puerto Escondido. In 2018, I learned to surf, and I recently returned from a two-month surf trip through New Zealand and Indonesia. While I thrive in the desert, I’m a water baby at heart—always guided by nature.
In addition to yoga, I’m a certified life coach and breathwork facilitator with a deep love for all things health and wellness. I’m so excited to be here and can’t wait to share space with you. My intention is to help you soften, explore, reignite your curiosity and come home to yourself—just as you are.
Jenn
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Jenn!
I am a student and teacher on and off the yoga mat.
My foundation is rooted in Bikram yoga, and my practice began during school as a way to manage anxiety and stress. Yoga continued to support me through the demands of a corporate office career, and over time became a constant source of grounding, healing, and connection. Wherever someone may be in life, I truly believe yoga can offer guidance and support.
My goal as a teacher is to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired by one another. I believe we are all both students and teachers, connecting through movement and breath. My classes are rooted in simplicity, mindfulness, and fun, encouraging students to move with intention while not taking themselves too seriously.
TOM
200 hr Yoga teacher
Tom began practicing yoga in 2009 after a sports related knee injury. A steady vinyasa practice has allowed him to develop a holistic yoga approach, developing awareness of the physical body and the application of mindfulness techniques.
He was called to participate in an Ashtanga-based yoga teacher training in 2022 to extend his practice and learn to guide fellow yogis on their path.
Tom appreciates day-to-day application of traditional yoga techniques, using them to mentor and coach in a corporate environment.
He looks forward to helping to guide you through your practice creating a positive, fun space to support you on your yoga journey!
JACKI
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi, I’m Jacki!
I first stepped into Blue Buddha in 2021 and instantly felt at home. At first, yoga was just another way to stay fit—but it didn’t take long to realize it was exactly what my heart and nervous system had been needing. At the time, I was a full-time student and personal trainer, deeply passionate about health and wellness—but yoga shifted everything for me. It taught me to slow down, to rest, and to love my body not for how it looked, but for all it’s capable of.
This practice has become a grounding force in my life, and I feel incredibly grateful to now be on the other side—holding space for others to connect, heal, and grow in their own unique ways.
When I’m not at the studio, you can find me outside exploring this beautiful state, going to concerts, painting, traveling, or spending quality time with the people I love. I live for adventure, creativity, and meaningful connection.
As a teacher, my intention is to create a space where you feel safe to show up exactly as you are. Yoga is such a personal and vulnerable journey, and it’s my honor to walk alongside you as you move, breathe, and come back home to yourself. I hope to inspire others by living authentically and boldly—and encouraging you to do the sa
STACY
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi I’m Stacy!
I walked into Blue Buddha in 2020. It was love at first class and my practice began to grow! I was quickly welcomed into the incredible Blue Buddha community and it truly feels like home.
Yoga has brought so much joy and peace into my life, and its a dream of mine to share that feeling with others. I hope to create a space where all feel supported, grounded and at ease.
Outside the studio you can find me outdoors, sipping coffee or tending to my small jungle of houseplants. See you in class!
KAYLEE
200 hr Yoga Teacher
Hi, I’m Kaylee! I’ve been practicing yoga for more than a decade, and it has been my anchor through all of life’s ups and downs. I originally started yoga to help calm my mind and navigate anxiety, and the mental clarity I found kept me coming back year after year.
Eventually, I found my way into a hot yoga studio -Blue Buddha and never looked back-there’s just something about the heat that makes the practice feel like a true moving meditation. My goal is to help you find that same sense of peace in every class.
Beyond the studio, my life is all about getting outdoors with my husband and dogs. I love running or hikes with my family, and I’m always down for a quiet afternoon spent reading. Can’t wait to see you in the hot room!
JANE
200 hr Yoga teacher
Hi! I’m Jane.
I have been practicing yoga since 2017, finding in it a profound source of physical and emotional healing. As I balance the demands of a corporate career and ongoing education, yoga has been essential in cultivating resilience, balance, and mindfulness while helping to alleviate stress.
My goal as a teacher is to share this transformative practice, helping others find strength, stability, and connection on and off the mat. Let’s flow!
OLIVIA
200 hr Yoga teacher
My name is Olivia, and I’m a 200-hour certified yoga teacher with over 12 years of dedicated practice, as well as 50 hours of Yoga Sculpt training. I strive to create classes that are grounded, intentional, and accessible, with a strong focus on alignment, strength, and mindful movement. I also aim to encourage you to push yourself, challenge your limits, and discover the strongest version of yourself in every class.
Outside of teaching, I work as an Electrophysiology Robotics Sales Manager, where I travel around the country consulting on projects. This work has deepened my appreciation for the body’s complexity and intelligence, which I bring into my teaching.
A fun fact about me: I learned to water ski when I was 4 and still love to slalom ski whenever I can-and I’m also an avid needle pointer!